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[Jagriti] A letter to Responsibility

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Dear Responsibility,
I love you. Not for what you are but for what you give me.
People talk about me being a responsible child. In most cases,
they mean I should be responsible for various tasks given to
me - like a clean room, belongings, chores, school work, etc.
They want me to show responsible behaviour. But by doing all
this, will I become responsible?
Or do these form only one small part of the responsibility?


When I go out with my parents, they seem to be responsible
for my safety. Then when I leave their hand and run around,
they chide me for being irresponsible. But then, if I was never
really given the responsibility of my safety, how can I be
expected to be responsible? It's the same with studies and
education. Teachers, parents all seem to take this
responsibility so seriously, then I am hardly left being
responsible for myself and my learning.
But surprisingly, when I play with the salt shaker on the dining
table, my parents get irritated and they blame my behaviour
for their irritation - as if I am responsible for them. Am I
responsible for them or are they responsible for their
emotions? And in the same way, are others or situations
responsible for my emotions or am I responsible for my
emotions?
The other day when I kicked my friend because he was shying
away from doing the project work, I was called irresponsible.
But was I not (like adults) being responsible for the work and
by kicking my friend, ensuring that it is done?
So is responsibility important or how I express that responsibility
that is important?
Am I responsible for my actions or
intentions?

Am I responsible for achieving the result or am I also
responsible for the means I choose to achieve it?
The other day my momma gave me the responsibility of
cleaning the courtyard. But sis was feeling unwell so I thought
of taking care of her which was actually not my responsibility.
But by doing so, I couldn't tidy up the courtyard. Fulfilling one
responsibility affected fulfilling some other responsibility.
So where do I stand?
In a similar way I take, eat and finish all my meals myself but I
pick out all the vegetables.
But then is responsibility fulfilling
my needs or is it fulfilling my parent's needs?
And on top of that who is responsible to decide which one to
follow?
The way I see all of the above is that responsibility gives me
choices. When I do not have any responsibility (e.g., The
teacher is telling me to finish the full page), I do not have
any choice. But when I get responsibility, 'Do what interests
you on Sunday', then I have so many choices and I need to
think really hard. And even if I made a terrible choice, I am still
responsible for that choice - isn't that amazing learning?
You see in some ways when I do not have a responsibility, I am
a mere follower of others' expectations or requirements.
However, when given the responsibility, I automatically
become the leader (of myself). 

Now you know why I like you, Responsibility. 💝
Warmly
A leader

--------------
Aditi-Ratnesh  (Ph: +91-98450-45833)
Aarohi is an Open Learning Community for learners of all ages: Open to all kinds of interests, abilities, styles and content areas. Learning by doing what one wants, how one wants, and self reflection. Community to co-live, co-learn and co-support each other. Aarohi's Campus is in a village near Hosur in Tamil Nadu (55km fm Bangalore).
Open learning group on Telegram:  https://t.me/joinchat/ClfHiRRCYALLpfOhTWN_Yw
Aarohi Website: https://aarohilife.org

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